Washington, DC with Active Kids

The Hay-Adams Hotel is a quintessential blend of elegance and history, nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, just steps from the White House. Renowned for its timeless charm and impeccable service, the hotel offers sweeping views of Lafayette Park and the iconic Pennsylvania Avenue. Its dining options include the Lafayette Restaurant, which features French-inspired cuisine, and the chic Off the Record bar, an inviting and popular spot for both locals and visitors, celebrated for its sophisticated ambiance and signature cocktails.

The service at the Hay-Adams is truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the doormen greeted us by name and even high-fived my kids as we came and went. The attentive breakfast waitstaff remembered our orders each morning, and our room was serviced twice a day with meticulous care.

While the rooms are on the smaller side, as is typical of historic hotels, we found the solution in booking two connecting rooms, which provided plenty of space for our family. Although we absolutely loved our stay, it’s worth noting that the hotel tends to attract couples more than families. For families seeking a similar level of luxury with a more family-friendly atmosphere, the Lyle Hotel Washington DC is another excellent option to consider.

In DC, we met up with my sister and my parents, so there were seven of us in total.

Tip #1: If you’re traveling with extended family, plan ahead of time to split up for various activities and/or meals. One evening, my kids were wiped out, so we ordered room service while my parents and sister enjoyed a quiet, leisurely dinner at a local restaurant — definitely not the ideal atmosphere for our active crew!

Our first day in DC happened to be my birthday. As we all know, birthdays often take a backseat when you're a mom, but I had one request: to stroll around Georgetown and browse the shops — more on that later.

We pre-purchased tickets for the Spy Museum, which you can buy up to 45 days in advance for a discount of up to 30 percent. We also met up with my cousins and their kids, so there were six kids in our group, ranging in age from five to 17. The Spy Museum was perfect for such a large group. It’s interactive and hands-on, and we spent about one to two hours there, depending on how quickly the kids moved through the exhibits.

For lunch, I hadn’t planned anything, but we walked over to the District Wharf, just eight minutes from the Spy Museum. With a group of 13, our dining options were limited, but we ended up at the Boardwalk Bar and Arcade. It was a great choice — while the kids played in the arcade, the adults could relax and chat. Afterward, we all treated ourselves to Ben & Jerry’s, and the District Wharf offered plenty of other restaurant options to explore.

We spent the afternoon exploring Georgetown, browsing through various shops. However, this activity proved challenging with a group of seven, especially with two young children in tow! We didn’t last long, especially since the streets of Georgetown were quite crowded.

If you’re visiting Georgetown and looking for other options, here are a few additional attractions we didn’t have the chance to explore:

• Georgetown Flea Market: Open every Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm (weather permitting). This could be a hit or miss depending on the vendors, but it’s worth considering if you enjoy browsing for unique items.

• Georgetown Waterfront Park: Offering stunning views of the Potomac River, this park is a peaceful spot to relax. You can also feed the geese or explore the labyrinth maze.

• Washington Harbour: In the winter months, this location features an ice skating rink, a fun activity for all ages.

• Tudor Place: Open from 12 to 4 pm, Tudor Place is the former home of Martha Washington’s granddaughter. The 50-minute tour includes a scavenger hunt for children, with tickets required. The gardens are also open to the public without an admission fee.

The Washington Monument

Begin your day with a visit to the Washington Monument. Take the elevator to the top, ascending 500 feet for breathtaking views of the city. I highly recommend this — my entire family loved it and the experience was incredible. Be sure to have your tickets in advance. Arrive a few minutes early, though expect a brief wait as entry is timed. Afterwards, we continued along to some of the other monuments.

• Tip #2 - Washington Monument tickets: Tickets become available at 10 am, exactly 30 days before your visit. For the best chance of securing tickets, I recommend visiting the website five minutes before the release time, ensuring all your account information is pre-entered. At 10 am sharp, refresh the page for quick access. Alternatively, you can try booking through the Group Ticket option, which is often easier to secure!

Other monuments

• World War II Memorial: From the Washington Monument, it’s a half-mile walk to the World War II Memorial.

• Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: Continue along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, making a stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, just a short walk away.

• Lincoln Memorial: From the Vietnam Memorial, it’s only a two-minute walk to the iconic Lincoln Memorial, which is also incredible to see at night!

• Korean War Veterans Memorial: Just a two-minute walk from the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial sits opposite the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: From the Korean War Memorial, it’s a third of a mile to walk to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial: Adjacent to the MLK Memorial, you’ll find the FDR Memorial.

Lunch / food truck option

For lunch, head to 17th Street NW, located between the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument (about a half mile walk from the FDR Memorial). The area offers a variety of food trucks, perfect for grabbing a quick bite. Consider enjoying your lunch on the lawn of the Washington Monument for a scenic and relaxing break.

Museums

After lunch, head to the National Museum of American History (open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm). No tickets are required in advance, making it an easy addition to your day.

Tip #3 - Museums:

• Plan ahead: Review the exhibits in advance and decide which areas you’d like to prioritize. This will help you make the most of your time and focus on what interests you most.

• Arrive early: If you’re visiting a museum right when it opens at 10 am, head straight to the exhibit farthest from the entrance. This will allow you to explore it before the crowds arrive.

• Use the less-crowded entrance: To avoid the main influx of visitors, enter the museum through the side facing Independence Avenue or Constitution Avenue, depending on the museum’s location. This entrance tends to be less crowded and will help you avoid the bulk of foot traffic.

Dinner

For dinner, consider dining at The Hamilton, a popular restaurant known for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere.

Although we didn't tour the White House, you'll find below some helpful recommendations on how to secure tickets. However, we did have the opportunity to explore Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress.

How to book a White House tour

• Contact your senator: Each state has two senators. You can find your senator’s office and contact details at Senate.gov. While a phone call is recommended, email is also acceptable.

• Submit a request: After you inform your senator's office, they will submit a request to the Secret Service on your behalf. For each person attending, you must provide their full name, birthdate, Social Security number and city of birth. Note: Once submitted, no changes can be made — additional individuals cannot be added, and substitutions are not allowed. Confirm your attendees before submitting the request.

• Confirmation: As your travel date approaches, you’ll be notified if you’ve secured a tour. You will receive a “ticket” (which is free) containing a confirmation number. The ticket also includes an 800 number to call on the day of the tour for last-minute updates, as well as a list of prohibited items.

What to bring on the tour

Plan to bring as little as possible. Only a cell phone, jacket and umbrella (if raining) are permitted. There are no lockers, and any prohibited items will result in being turned away.

What you’ll see on the White House tour

The tour includes several iconic rooms such as the China Room, Library and Blue Room, along with the famous East Wing hallway where presidents are often seen during national addresses. You’ll also visit the State Dining Room, which is notably smaller in person than it appears in photos and on television.

Capitol Hill tour

• Option 1: It is not necessary to purchase tickets in advance - you can visit the Capitol Visitor Center and ask to be put on the next available tour.

• Option 2: Book a tour through the US Capitol Visitor Center: visitthecapitol.gov.

• Option 3: Book a tour through your representative or senator's office.

• Option 4: Book a tour through Old Town Trolley Tours. You can make an advance reservation for a complimentary tour.

I recommend booking the tour ahead of time. We contacted our senator's office and had no issue getting a tour. The Capitol tour includes the Crypt, Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. They begin with an introductory film, followed by stops in the Capitol Rotunda, the Capitol Dome, the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and various connecting corridors. You'll see statues representing each state during this 45-minute walking tour.

Library of Congress tour

Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. The Library of Congress is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

• Tip #4 - Library of Congress: Consider visiting the Library of Congress before your Capitol tour. Use the pedestrian tunnel to avoid long security lines when entering the Capitol Building.

Lunch

We hadn't planned our lunch time well, and by the end of the tour, our kids were really hungry. We ended up eating at the Capitol Cafe, located on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. However, the food didn’t quite meet our expectations, so I’d recommend stepping out of the Capitol to find a nearby spot for a better meal.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

That afternoon, we went to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Upon arrival, be sure to pick up a map to navigate the exhibits efficiently. Notable highlights include the Hope Diamond, the Gems and Minerals Exhibit and the Fossils Exhibit.

• Hours: Daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm

• Location: Approximately one mile from the White House

• Tickets: No advance tickets required

• Best visiting times: Mondays and Wednesdays tend to be less crowded. For a quieter experience, consider visiting just before the museum opens or around 3 pm when foot traffic tends to be lighter.

• Timed entry passes: Admission requires a free timed entry pass.

• IMAX Theater: We didn't purchase tickets in advance and had no trouble securing them the same day during our visit.

• Best time to visit: For a more relaxed experience, visit in the mornings on weekdays when it's less crowded.

Museum highlights

• Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer: The first powered, controlled aircraft that marks the beginning of modern aviation.

• Spirit of St. Louis: Charles Lindbergh's aircraft from his historic 1927 solo nonstop transatlantic flight.

• Apollo 11 Command Module: The capsule that carried astronauts to the moon during the historic 1969 mission.

• Milestones of Flight Exhibit: Explore the evolution of flight from early balloons to supersonic jets.

• Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall: Features iconic aircraft like the Concorde and the SR-71 Blackbird.

• Space Exploration Gallery: Displays spacecraft models, spacesuits and key NASA mission artifacts, including the moon landing and Mars rovers.

Below are other DC highlights that we did not get a chance to see but are worth visiting!

• Smithsonian National Zoo: Located in Rock Creek Park, this zoo is free and features over 2,000 animals from around the world. The giant pandas are a major draw, along with elephants, lions and tigers.

• Tidal Basin paddle boats: Rent a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin for a relaxing family outing with great views of the Jefferson Memorial, especially during cherry blossom season. It's an affordable and enjoyable way to spend an hour.

• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture: This museum is incredibly moving and educational. It's an excellent way for families to learn about the history, culture and achievements of African Americans. While it may be best for older kids, younger visitors will also enjoy the interactive exhibits.

• National Gallery of Art: This museum has two buildings: the West Building (classic art) and the East Building (modern art). There are often kid-friendly activities and galleries designed to engage younger visitors in the arts.

• Theodore Roosevelt Island: A hidden gem in DC, this 88-acre island offers trails, picnic spots and a peaceful environment for a family hike. It's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Ford's Theatre and Petersen House: Explore the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination at Ford’s Theatre and the adjacent Petersen House, where Lincoln died. There are often special family programs that explain the history in engaging ways.

• National Cherry Blossom Festival (spring): If visiting in spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-see. The beautiful cherry trees bloom around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall, making for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of family activities, parades and outdoor events.

• Rock Creek Park:A large urban park offering hiking, biking, picnicking and wildlife watching. The Rock Creek Park Nature Center offers educational exhibits and programs for kids.

• DC Duck Tours: Hop aboard a WWII amphibious vehicle for a fun and informative land-and-water tour of DC. The tour includes iconic landmarks and a splash into the Potomac River!

• Arlington National Cemetery: Although a somber site, Arlington National Cemetery offers a respectful and educational experience for older children. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a memorable and moving ceremony.

• National Children's Museum: This hands-on museum is designed specifically for younger children and includes exhibits about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with interactive activities and exhibits.

• Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: The Kennedy Center offers free family performances on weekends, as well as the "Millennium Stage," which has free concerts and performances every evening. Check the schedule for family-friendly shows.

• National Aquarium: While not as large as some aquariums, the National Aquarium at the Department of Commerce offers a chance for families to explore aquatic life in a central location, with exhibits featuring sea creatures from around the world.

• Eastern Market: A historic market located on Capitol Hill offering fresh food, crafts and local goods. On weekends, there's live entertainment and art vendors. It's a fun place for families to stroll and explore.